Charles "Chuck" Leighton Eason, Jr.

Charles "Chuck"'s Story

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In Honor of Charles "Chuck" Leighton Eason, Jr.

Chuck Eason was born in Thomasville, GA on August 31, 1947 to Geraldine Collins Eason and Charles Leighton Eason, Sr. He was the oldest of three children, having one sister, Dianne Ashmore, and one brother, Linton Eason. He grew up with a deep love for the outdoors and sports, both of which he proved to be very successful.
Chuck attended Leon High School in Tallahassee, FL where he excelled at football and baseball. Following high school, Chuck was offered several football scholarships and selected Florida State University.
Chuck attended and played football for Florida State University from 1965-1969. He was a safety for the Seminoles for four years and was a proud member of the "Rat Pack," a group of undersized but highly talented defensive backs who led Florida State's defense to three bowl games.
Following college, Chuck served as a Graduate Assistant coach for FSU for one year before beginning to coach at Godby High School in Tallahassee, FL. During this same time, Chuck married Linda Johnson from Palatka, FL in 1972.
In 1982, Chuck and Linda moved to Orlando, FL to own and operate a transportation company for 12 years. During this time they had their only child, Charles Matthew "Matt" Eason.
In 2002, after 30 years of marriage, Chuck and Linda divorced, both remaining in Orlando until Matt completed high school.
Upon Matt's departure for college, Chuck continued working in real estate and resided in Kissimmee and Daytona.
Finally in 2009, Chuck retired and moved back to his most beloved area in the world, wanting be around his grandfather's land in Grady County, GA. He began volunteering, and then working full-time for Birdsong Nature Center, serving as the land manager. This was the most fulfilling job he had had in many years.
In December 2016, Chuck was diagnosed with a neurological disorder and then in December 2017 was diagnosed with stage four cancer. On December 14th, 2017 Chuck left to be with the Lord at the age of 70.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Birdsong Nature Center in his name.